Malicious contact

[MA Softball Ump]

Originally posted by SC Ump
I recently ruled an ejection at the plate on the following NFHS play:
This is HTBT, but what are your thoughts?

I know that in FED the "runners are never required to slide" [8-6-13] and that it could be malicious contact to hit the defensive player [8-6-14]; I believe that ASA has the better/safer rule for the players:

"When a defensive player has the ball and the runner remains upright and crashes into the defensive player {the runner is out}. If the act is determined to be flagrant, the offender SHALL be ejected." [ 8-7-Q].

The difference is that ASA requires a slide and FED does not. The ASA rule is "falagrant" meaning a violation of the slide rule. FED requires some intent to harm [maliciousness].